When I speak to professionals of all ages, I remind them that their behavior on Saturday evening will be reflected in their performance and behavior Monday morning. I tell them to carefully spend their free time wisely. As a professional, each person should remember their commitment to themselves, their company, their family and their cause. Leadership requires a sacrifice of personal desire to not misbehave. In today’s blog post, I will share my recommendations for businesspeople so they can achieve their greatest potential in the workplace! In addition, I will discuss how you can enroll in my business etiquette classes for adults and teens.
Tips for Success in the Workplace
- Mind your Manners – When traveling for business, remember your “P’s and Q’s”. While teaching a Business Etiquette lesson to a group of attorneys, I was asked, “Should I hang out in the bar in the evenings with my co-workers?” My response? Absolutely not, especially on someone else’s dime. Socialize yes, party no! Instead, demonstrate good habits of routine like going to bed early, preparing for the next day and keeping conversations on the purpose of the travel. Talk about work together. Use travel opportunities as a time to demonstrate you are an asset to your employer and not a liability.
- Peace in the Office – Forgiveness is at the top of the list for how to treat others. When irritated by a co-worker, forgive quickly and forget swiftly. Examine your motives and behaviors and work to build a better relationship with your co-worker. The key to forgiveness is not to tell anybody that you were offended. This way it does not create a toxic environment within your organization.
- Self-Image – Come to work in clean, pressed clothes that reflect your profession. There is never a place for open-toed shoes or jeans with holes. Groom your hair, use makeup if desired and make certain you check the mirror to ensure that you present your best self. All professionals should wear a belt…whether wearing jeans or a suit. Sport coats should be kept on hand in case you go to lunch where a jacket is required. Since COVID is no longer as big of an issue, the world is dressing up to head back to the workplace. Remember, dress for the job you desire, not the job you have. Always dress up for the job!
- Situational Awareness – In a group setting, introduce others and stand up when anyone enters the room. This is common courtesy. Maintain a sense of situational awareness and be present to the needs of others.
- Gratitude Should be Your Number One Priority – Let your boss know you appreciate all that is provided for you. Write handwritten Thank You notes as you travel and call on clients. I cannot emphasize enough to young professionals about the importance of sending a hand-written Thank You note. Mail the note with your business card. Yes, text and emails are great, but a hand-written note displays power. Also, it is very important to thank a person twice…first, at the end of meetings, verbally thank the person you met with and then, second, send a note via the mail within 24 hours. This is power and I cannot emphasize it enough.
- Remember Names – When you speak with or write to someone, check to see if you spelled his or her name correctly and used the proper title. People do not like it when their names are mispronounced. Before you meet and greet with someone, look up a person’s name and make certain you pronounce it correctly.
- Always Return Calls – A phone call should be returned within 24 hours. I am convinced that my etiquette business has grown because most of my clients tell me I was the first to call them back.
In summary, young professionals often ignore an important truth…your title does not command respect, but your behavior will.
Business Etiquette Classes in Dallas
Lisa teaches private etiquette classes for adults as well as business etiquette to corporate teams. Some topics that Lisa can cover in an etiquette training session include…
Business Dining Etiquette:
- A to Z Dining Tips for a Woman or Gentleman
- Seating Plans for Business Meals
- When and How to Start a Business Talk
- How to Connect and Mingle with your Clients
- How to Dine and Represent your Company’s Brand in a Professional Manner
Business Networking:
- Suitable Props – How to Choose Attractive Props that Professionally Represent your Company
- Name Badges and Where to Wear Them
- Mastering your Elevator Pitch
- Working the Room as a Polished Professional
- How to Start and End Conversations Politely
- What Topics Should Not be Discussed when Networking? Topics such as your Competition etc…
Business Introductions & Conversation Starters:
- How to Properly Greet Others – Bowing and the Importance of the Handshake
- Eye Contact
- How to Set Up and Host the Proper Receiving Line
- Event Prep
- Toast and Speech Etiquette
- Corporate Gift Giving
- How to Stay Connected with your Clients
Business Dress:
- What to Wear / Not to Wear as a Business Professional
- What to Wear for a Zoom Call or Meeting
- How to Dress Outside the Office
- “Fashion” versus “The Polished Professional”
The Polished Professional’s Attitude:
- How to Avoid Gossip
- Loyalty in your Company
- Behavior Outside the Office on Business Outings
- The “Why” of Good Polished Behavior
- The Importance of Gratitude
Book your Etiquette Classes for Adults or Corporate Team in Dallas!
Lisa Burdette offers private and group training in business etiquette, social graces and networking. She has successfully helped many adults and teens with polishing their professional image and increasing their personal confidence at work, in school and in their personal lives. In addition, Lisa has worked with corporate clients such as Rough Creek Lodge, Ranch & Resort, Tower Club Dallas, the Toyota Corporation, The University of Texas at Dallas and others to assist with workplace etiquette training and workshops.
Ready to elevate your employees’ social skills at your company’s next business event? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
